13/07/2026

Coming Out From the Shadows Ep 2: 2002-2003 Honda CBR900RR '954' Fireblade

There are many great bikes that never got the credit they deserved when new. They were born in the wrong time and simply overshadowed by the latest, greatest, shiny new thing. Honda’s ‘02/’03 CBR900RR '954' Fireblade is case in point. It’s such a well-rounded, capable, enjoyable and wickedly fast superbike, but it lived in the shadow of the much more powerful, race-winning Suzuki GSX-R1000. But now the Honda has matured and it makes more sense now than it ever did with just the right amount of power for the road, nimble handling and beautiful build quality. In this video, I speak to Rob Nesbit - owner of this immaculate example (one of 17 he’s owned!) to find out what it’s like to live with and take a spin to remind myself just how great it was back in the day when I first tested it for MCN. Enjoy.

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What Makes This Bike Great? Ep23: Honda CBR250RR MC22